This would have to be one of the most spectacular hiking loops in Australia. Starting from the Long Gully Carpark then following the Yadboro River upstream for a kilometre before following a spur up to the base of Mt Owen. Here the adventure really takes another gear with some exciting rock scrambling straight up the cliff face to place you on a small escarpment below the formidable upper cliff line of Mt Owen. After a short bush bash and following the cliff to the west for several hundred metres you are met with a small gully climbing up at an angle towards the east through the cliff line. After another 20-30 minutes of very exciting rock scrambling (no rope needed but recommended) you find your way to the log book on top of Mt Owen and are rewarded with spectacular views across to the Castle, Pigeon House and the ocean.
Some tricky navigation across Mt Owen now follows and it is recommended that you follow the cairn stones as much as possible in order to avoid becoming blocked by the dense scrub. After another kilometre or so you reach the canyon between Mt Owen and Mt Cole. Here you have the option of dropping down to the west and around to one of the many camping caves along the base of the Mt Cole cliff line, heading east through the canyon and into Monolith Valley, or heading straight over Mt Cole. If time is on your side opt to head over Mt Cole and attempt a summit of Donjon Mountain before heading around to camp the night in a Mt Cole cave.
The next day it’s time to explore the Mt Owen & Mt Cole canyon before arriving at the Monolith Valley Green Room (be sure to keep a keen eye out for the exit point on your left or you may find yourself heading out and down into Oaky Creek). From here a short hike out to check out the Seven Gods Pinnacles and a magnificent natural arch is recommended before venturing further into Monolith Valley. Here’s the side trip options are endless and you may find yourself short of time to thoroughly explore them all. If time permits be sure to climb Mt Mooryan, Mt Nibelung, or Shrouded Gods Mt and enjoy spectacular views of the Clyde and Hollands Gorges and the countless mesas.
After a lunch stop it’s now time to leave the incredible Monolith Valley and make your way out towards The Castle via Nibelung Pass. Be sure to fill up your water bottle from Cooyoyo Creek as it exits from between the rocks under Mt Nibelung as this is one of the last opportunities for water before returning to the car park.
After dropping your packs at Meakins Pass it’s now time to summit the jewel in the crown of The Budawangs, The Castle. Navigation to the summit is relatively easy as it is very well marked, especially now that National Parks has placed a warning sign at the bottom of the climb recommending not to trust the ropes as they are not maintained. Ropes are really only recommended at the very top however it is possible to climb up without using any if you’re relatively comfortable with exposure and have moderate climbing skills. Once at the to be sure to sign the log book at the furthest end and enjoy more spectacular views down along Byangee Walls and past Pigeon House Mountain to the coast.
Now it’s time to make your way back down to collect your packs before squeezing through the Meakins Pass tunnel and to hike the 6km back to the Long Gully Carpark via Kalianna Ridge. Give yourself about 2-2.5hrs to do this as it’s quite rough in parts, particularly where it traverses the lower Castle escarpment. Once back at the Carpark be sure to do the obligatory swim in the Yadboro River before putting the tired legs into the car.
Congratulations, you’ve just done one of the most spectacular loop hikes in Australia. Till next time Budawangs!